A total of 266 players turned out for the 2017 World Series of Poker $1,500 deuce-to-seven no-limit single draw lowball event, building a total prize pool of $359,100. In the end the last player standing was none other than Frank Kassela, the 2010 WSOP player of the year. He defeated Bernard Lee heads-up earned his third gold bracelet and the first-place prize $89,151.

“Nothing feels better than winning a World Series of Poker bracelet when you’re a poker player,” said Kassela after it was all over. Despite being an amateur player Kassela has the resume of a pro at the WSOP. “Generally speaking when it comes down to being a recreational player, I consider myself one of the best recreational players in the world. I have no idea what I could do if I hopped on that train and played all year long, but I’m sure I’d have a lot more tournament success than just showing up here six weeks every summer.”

Kassela came into the final day in third chip position with six players remaining, and he had plenty of tough players to contend with including Jared Bleznick (5th – $17,890), WSOP bracelet winner Matthew Waxman (4th – $25,451) and Bernard Lee, who was at his third WSOP deuce-to-seven no-limit single draw lowball final table. Kassela survived to heads-up play with Lee, who took just over a 2-to-1 chip lead into their final showdown.

Kassela was able to close the gap in a hurry when he made the nut low, a 7-5-4-3-2, and won a big pot when Lee made what he later said was an 8-6 low. The two battled back and forth, trading the lead a few times.

By the time the final hand arose Kassela had gone on a tear and opened up a 3-to-1 lead. With blinds of 20,000-40,000 and an ante of 10,000. Kassela raised to 100,000 from the button and Lee moved all-in for around 500,000. Kassela made the call. Lee elected to draw one card and Kassela stood pat with the J-10-7-5-4. Lee had the 9-4-3-2 and could win with any 5,6,7,8,10 or J. Lee drew the 9, however, which meant that Kassela’s J-10 low was good enough to secure the pot and the title.

Here is a look at the payouts and POY points awarded in this event:

PlacePlayerEarnings (USD)POY Points

1
Frank Kassela
$89,151
432

2
Bernard Lee
$55,086
360

3
Tim McGuigan
$37,032
288

4
Matthew Waxman
$25,451
216

5
Jared Bleznick
$17,890
180

6
Stuart Rutter
$12,868
144

For more coverage from the summer series, visit the 2017 WSOP landing page complete with a full schedule, news, player interviews and event recaps.

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